We are approaching Saturday. I see it in the head lights. I just made a small travel pot of Door County Swedish Lingonberry Coffee and now it is time to write. Let's look at the Godly principle of accepting others.
Have you ever wondered how a certain person ended up on your team at work, at church, or socially? They just don't fit in, aren't your first choice or even your 100th choice. They are too different and maybe a little difficult at times.
Jesus addresses this in a very simple way. He basically says "get over it". We all are different. We all act differently. Jesus knows where we are and what we are doing. He knows who joins the team of our life. Or are we joining their life?
Romans 15:7English Standard Version (ESV)
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Jesus taught and demonstrated "acceptance of others" by having one of the most hated people join his team of fisherman and nationalists. He brought in the tax collector Matthew. He certainly did not fit in with that group in the beginning. The other apostles probably wondered if Jesus had lost his mind. But when all was said and done, look what Matthew accomplished. He penned one of the four gospels through inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave Him a chance.
We don't see his not being accepted by the original team in Scripture. Yet it bothered others that Jesus hung around with the tax collectors. Jesus set the example and expects us to accept others and work with them.
Matthew 9:11New International Version (NIV)
11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Do you need to give someone a chance today? Is there someone just sitting there wanting to be included?
If this is you, get going. God bless.
Marty
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